DEEP Helping Feed Bears, Too

Regarding the March 8 editorial "Don't Feed the Bears": The proposed prohibition on feeding bears should apply to everyone, not just people feeding the birds or leaving pet dishes outside.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection allows baiting for deer on private land in certain areas across Connecticut. The bait includes nuts, fruit and grains, which is a pretty appetizing diet for a bear. Not only does this attract bears, but it feeds bears that may be already there.

Every year, the DEEP adds thousands of birds to the wild for the purpose of pheasant hunting. These are pen-raised birds that are not native to Connecticut. If they are not shot by hunters, they become prey for predators. This occurs every year and has been going on for decades.

Both of the above can be compared to an all-you-can-eat buffet for bears, bobcats, coyotes and other species. DEEP officials should remember that putting food in the food chain that's not naturally there will attract predators.